Basketball House League
Welcome to the Haley Smith Basketball League, a recreational league for players in third through twelfth grade open to all in the greater Herndon community. The 2006 season saw 635 players participating on 75 different teams.
League Philosophy
The Haley Smith Basketball league exists to provide youth of all skill levels an opportunity to enjoy a positive, enjoyable recreational basketball experience. Playing time is regulated so that every participant is guaranteed to play at least half of every game subject to the guidelines. Emphasis is placed on learning the fundamentals of basketball, good sportsmanship, teamwork, improving individual basketball skills and conditioning, learning the rules and most importantly having fun. This in turn should enhance participants’ self-confidence and encourage their continued interest/passion for playing the game of basketball.
Team Formation
The team formation process is geared to advance the philosophy of the league. Of greatest importance is the creation of balanced teams. Teams comprised of equal strength create a fair and competitive playing experience for all participants. There is no perfect system to guaranty parity, but each year we take steps to get a close as possible.
Teams are comprised of a minimum of 7 and maximum of 9 players to maximize playing time. Division size is a function of the number of registered players and last year ranged from as few as four to as many as 14 teams. With the exception of the Girls 9th-12th grade, divisions comprise two grades.
Players returning to the same division in which they played last season have the option to return to last year’s team or become eligible for the draft. This is noted on the registration form. All other players – those new to the division or new to the league – are assigned to teams through a draft.
Certain players must attend mandatory player evaluation sessions. These include all players in the 3rd & 4th grade divisions, players new to the division or new to the league. These evaluations are the principle means used to assess skill level in the interest of distributing it as equitably as possible.
League Philosophy
The Haley Smith Basketball league exists to provide youth of all skill levels an opportunity to enjoy a positive, enjoyable recreational basketball experience. Playing time is regulated so that every participant is guaranteed to play at least half of every game subject to the guidelines. Emphasis is placed on learning the fundamentals of basketball, good sportsmanship, teamwork, improving individual basketball skills and conditioning, learning the rules and most importantly having fun. This in turn should enhance participants’ self-confidence and encourage their continued interest/passion for playing the game of basketball.
Team Formation
The team formation process is geared to advance the philosophy of the league. Of greatest importance is the creation of balanced teams. Teams comprised of equal strength create a fair and competitive playing experience for all participants. There is no perfect system to guaranty parity, but each year we take steps to get a close as possible.
Teams are comprised of a minimum of 7 and maximum of 9 players to maximize playing time. Division size is a function of the number of registered players and last year ranged from as few as four to as many as 14 teams. With the exception of the Girls 9th-12th grade, divisions comprise two grades.
Players returning to the same division in which they played last season have the option to return to last year’s team or become eligible for the draft. This is noted on the registration form. All other players – those new to the division or new to the league – are assigned to teams through a draft.
Certain players must attend mandatory player evaluation sessions. These include all players in the 3rd & 4th grade divisions, players new to the division or new to the league. These evaluations are the principle means used to assess skill level in the interest of distributing it as equitably as possible.